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An ECE teacher is reading a picture book for a baby

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Do you want to work with young children? Study early childhood education and develop the skills and knowledge required to make a difference in the lives of children, their whānau, and society.

Level
7
Credits
360 (3.0 EFTS)
Campus
Mt Albert
Start dates
Starts February and July
Duration
Full-time for three years

Call us now on 0800 10 95 10

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Programme overview

In this practical, field-based programme, you will develop the skills required to become a competent, informed, and reflective early childhood teacher who is committed to young children and their learning and development.

You can earn while you learn, by working at least 12 hours a week in an early childhood centre from the beginning of your degree, plus spending 2 days a week on campus, where you will learn to relate your teaching practice to theory. Our staff are always on hand to provide pastoral care, and there are also numerous student support services available on campus.

You'll also experience a range of practicum placements through 10 week placements at your own early childhood centre and 12 week placements at our designated early childhood centre over three years. When you graduate, you'll be eligible to become a registered teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Highlights

  • Become a qualified early childhood teacher: you will be able to apply for teacher registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand;
  • Emphasis on teaching practice: work (paid or voluntary) in a local licensed early childhood centre for at least 12 hours per week during the programme. This means that there will be a 50:50 ratio of theory to practice, ensuring our graduates are industry ready.
  • Experience teaching in a range of centres: each year you will also take part in a practicum, at an early childhood education centre for 37.5 hours per week;
  • Our graduates had an employment success rate of over 90% in the past years;
  • A focus on research: you will design an action research project in an area of interest, carry it out during your work experience, then reflect upon how it’s impacted on your practice
  • A strong emphasis on mātauranga Māori and the Aotearoa New Zealand early childhood curriculum document, Te Whāriki, with a commitment to a bicultural and sociocultural learning approach

Professional Work Experience Requirement

You will complete at least 12 hours (paid or voluntary) work experience per week, over 22 weeks during term times. If you are not currently employed, we can guide you to locate an appropriate centre close to your home.

Practicum

Year One: You will complete one 2-week practicum in your first semester at the centre where you are on work experience. You will also complete one four-week practicum at the end of the year at another centre, chosen by Unitec in accordance with Teaching Council requirements. 

Years Two and Three: You will complete two four week practicum per year, one in your home centre and one in another centre, as chosen by Unitec in accordance with Teaching Council requirements. 

Admission requirements

What you will need to study this programme. 

Domestic students

Academic requirements

You must have completed the following:

  • NCEA entry requirements;
    • 14 credits at NCEA Level 3 in three approved subjects;
    • 10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Māori (5 in reading, 5 in writing)
    • 10 credits at NCEA Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau
    • Complete and pass a short numeracy and literacy test
      (Note: Applies to applicants who do not meet the general admission requirements and who have not reached the age of 20 . You can find more information on special or discretionary)
And meet one of the English entry requirements;

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

Non-academic requirements

When you apply for this programme, you must provide proof of your certified identity (ID) and other documents, such as academic certificates. Please have these handy when you’re ready to apply.

See what documents you may need to provide

As part of your application, you’ll also need to consent to a Safety Check, which could involve providing:

  • Two forms of identification, including proof of any name changes
  • A self-declaration of medical conditions and criminal convictions
  • Contact details for two referees
  • Your curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Consent to an NZ Police Check
  • Attending an interview

In some instances, the information collected may be shared with workplace placement providers. 

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 481 KB)

International students

Academic requirements 

As a part of this requirement, you must be at least 17 years of age and meet one of the country-specific admission requirements;

And English entry requirements;

​If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:

  • Evidence of an overall IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 7.0 in each band; or
  • University Entrance Literacy: 10 Credits at NCEA Level 2 or above in English or Maori (5 in reading, 5 in writing); or
  • Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
  • *In exceptional cases, Unitec can request an exemption from the Teaching Council for students who can't provide standard English language evidence but demonstrate a high level of English proficiency through alternative means.

Check the Teaching Council Website for more information about ESOL requirements.

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

Non-academic requirements

When you apply for this programme, you must provide proof of your certified identity (ID) and other documents, such as academic certificates. Please have these handy when you’re ready to apply.

See what documents you may need to provide

As part of your application, you’ll also need to consent to a Safety Check, which could involve providing:

  • Two forms of identification, including proof of any name changes
  • A self-declaration of medical conditions and criminal convictions
  • Contact details for two referees
  • Your curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Consent to an NZ Police Check
  • Attending an interview

In some instances, the information collected may be shared with workplace placement providers. 

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 481 KB)

Courses and timetables

For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.

Compulsory courses
Level 5 Level 6 Level 7
Courses Credits Aim
Hauora (EDUC5000) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course examines models of health and well-being to develop the skills and knowledge of effective practices to promote holistic health and well-being for self and others within the learning community.
Introduction to Te Whariki (EDUC5001) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course introduces Te Whariki as an integrated curriculum to underpin the facilitation of learning and development.
Human Development (EDUC5002) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course explores theories of human development and analyses the implications for practice in early childhood contexts in Aotearoa.
Integrated Curriculum (EDUC5003) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course develops knowledge and understanding of play-based learning within an integrated curriculum.
Partnership, Perspectives and Policy (EDUC5004) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course examines historical and socio-cultural contexts of early childhood education in Aotearoa, introducing the policy and legislation, and the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi based practices in early childhood education.
Te Kete Manaaki Tangata (EDUC5005) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course develops understandings of te reo me nga tikanga Māori in relation to manaaki tangata.
Teachers as Partners (EDUC5006) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course develops knowledge, skills and attitudes required for early childhood kaiako to work in professional partnership with kaiako, whānau and community.
Introduction to Professional Experience (EDUC5007) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course supports students in partnership with an early childhood service to demonstrate teaching and professional practices that recognise the integrated nature of the learning of tamariki.
Courses Credits Aim
Research and Research Design in ECE (EDUC6001) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course examines a range of research methodologies used in early childhood contexts in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Infants and Toddlers: Relating and Playing (EDUC6002) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course examines a range of theoretical and philosophical approaches that underpin care and development of infants and toddlers.
Curriculum Content and Pedagogy (EDUC6003) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course critically examines learning theories and practices relating to domain knowledge in order to enact curriculum.
Looking Back, Moving Forward: Maori and Pacific learners in ECE contexts (EDUC6004) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course examines the history and current social and political status of early childhood education in Aotearoa, with particular focus on its impact upon Māori and Pacific communities in Te Moana Nui a Kiwa.
Te Kete Manaaki Whenua (EDUC6005) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course develops te reo Māori and matauranga Māori in relation to manaaki whenua i te taiao in teaching practice.
Leading Ethical Practice (EDUC6006) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course develops students’ awareness of leadership and their role and ethical responsibilities as kaiako to enhance professional practice and advocacy for rights of tamariki.
Informed Professional Experience (EDUC6007) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course supports students, in partnership with early childhood services, to continue to develop skills in curriculum design for infants, toddlers, and young children, and show the importance of manaaki whenua in practice.
Informed Professional Experience (EDUC6008) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course supports students in partnership with early childhood services to demonstrate ethical practice and awareness of cultural priorities supporting professional practice, and develop research skills.
Courses Credits Aim
Research and Enquiry in ECE (EDUC7001) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course facilitates the implementation of and reporting on an early childhood research project in Aotearoa.
Diverse Learners (EDUC7002) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course critically examines hauora and the theories underpinning teaching practice to respond to inclusion and diversity in early childhood education settings in Aotearoa.
Advanced Curriculum Studies (EDUC7003) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course critically examines a range of curriculum issues to enable the implementation of intentional pedagogies.
Policy and Discourse in Contexts of ECE (EDUC7004) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course critically examines social and educational policy, indigenous and contemporary discourses and issues relevant to early childhood education
Te Kete Manaaki Taonga (EDUC7005) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course enables students to demonstrate manaaki taonga in their teaching praxis through synthesising matauranga Māori and the application of te reo Māori me nga tikanga to teaching practice.
Personal Pedagogy and Leadership (EDUC7006) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course critically examines the development of professional teaching identity, demonstrating leadership through the roles and responsibilities of a graduating teacher meeting the Teaching Standards |Nga Paerewa.
Advanced Professional Experience (EDUC7007) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course supports students in partnership with early childhood services to design and plan culturally responsive curriculum supporting inclusive opportunities for diverse learners.
Advanced Professional Experience (EDUC7008) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course supports students in partnership with early childhood services to grow research skills and leadership capabilities which reflect the importance of advocacy as part of teacher identity.
Page last edited: 05 Mar 2025